The Minister's House: World's Largest Treehouse

Yesterday I mentioned that we made an extra stop on our way home from the Smoky Mountains... can you believe your eyes?? It's the world's largest treehouse in Crossville, TN. Apparently, in 1993 a minister named Horace started building a treehouse because he received a vision from God. Today, it's eight to ten thousand square feet and in the center is a beautiful chapel. Since we were there on a Sunday, we actually got to hear him preach. He seemed very down to earth and genuine, from what I could tell by overhearing his sermon while we explored the multi-story structure.

It was really an adventure! Certain boards are pretty creaky, the stairs rarely have hand rails, and some are outrageously steep. Children run through at their own risk while all the adults we ran into were amazed by the maze of paths and stairs and dead-ends and hidden passageways.

Notice the tree swing? A lawn chair attached to ropes that are duct taped together. We didn't take a ride on it, but it looks like everyone was having a blast!

All throughout the treehouse are surprises - a beautiful stained glass window, random furniture (that I would have LOVED to take home with me!), wooden statues, a guy playing a flute, and so much more.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I was inspired by Horace and his dream and what he has done. He felt called to do something and he didn't just slap something together (well, I mean, in a way, he did... some of it feels haphazard!) but he went ALL OUT. He could have built a normal-size treehouse but instead he built an enormous one and opens it to the public and shares his dream and vision and faith with those who visit. I am inspired by him!

See all the photos (including large size versions) on flickr.

Smoky Mountain Souvenirs

Andy's family takes an annual trip to the Smoky Mountains every year and this is the second year I've joined them. The trip is strictly family only and last year, I was allowed to go because we were seriously dating and knew we would get married. We got engaged about 5 weeks after the trip and this year we're married - it's amazing how much can happen in a year!

We always get a chalet between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so we can hop between towns as needed. The weekend is pretty relaxed and flexible but there are a few mainstays. It's a tradition to get breakfast at the log cabin pancake house in Gatlinburg one morning and we always go to the Chimneys Picnic Area in the mountains for a grill out.

On Saturday during our cookout, we walked down to the creek which was really beautiful and played cards and hung out and grilled. It was a fun little picnic! Saturday night we watched lots of football and then came home on Sunday. We made a special stop on Sunday - I will have photos from that soon!

It was a beautiful day and a great weekend!

How are you "breaking in" fall? Do you have an annual family vacation? What's your favorite mountain range to visit?

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Also! Today, I'm guest-blogging for my friend Marisa. She is posting 31 days of Wedding Planning and I contributed money-saving tips inspired by my own budget wedding!

3m "couple speak" DIY contest

Here's my mom's cute video entry for 3m's contest about serious DIY miscommunication! She and her friend Cathy do a lot of projects together and always bicker. In this video, she enlists Cathy's help painting a window... see what happens next! :)

Bridal Bolero by Uptown Urban Craft and Emmaline Bride Feature

Last week, I received an email from Elaine who said I was featured on a wedding blog. I was confused and excited to discover what she meant. (I'll admit it! It was a little bit of a thrill!)



Turns out, Emmaline Bride did a post about Uptown Urban Craft's Bridal Boleros and Laura, the talented lady behind Uptown Urban Craft, submitted photos of my "first look" with Andy to show off a real bride wearing one of her boleros.

I was super pleased with my bolero - it gave my wedding dress such a unique look! I highly recommend checking out Laura's work and would love for you to hop on over to Emmaline Bride to see what they said about her and to see our little feature!

Haven't seen our wedding photos yet? Check out our wedding page where I list out ALL the details and photos. :)

Favorite Mid Century Modern Houses

I am so inspired by online sneak peeks and of course my eye and heart are drawn to mid-century modern style homes. Here's a round-up of some of my favorites! Click the photos to visit the respective sites to see more!

Favorite Finds: Dani's Glass Jar Collection

Today's favorite find comes from my friend Dani of Crow & Quill. Do you remember Alyssa's flea market desk? I met Alyssa and Dani on the same day at my very first flea market. They are close friends and former roommates and have been so sweet and supportive of my Owl Really endeavors! Dani and I re-connected recently through a mutual friend and I'm glad to know her! She is a writer, so I'll let her take it away!

Dani says:

My favorite thrifted find is an ever-growing collection of glass containers. I tried narrowing it down to maybe one type of container that I have, but that’s kind of impossible for me. Each container is unique in its own little way so I just have to talk about all of them.


I’ve picked them up at Goodwills and various thrift stores across the state of Tennessee, but some of my favorites have come from the Nashville Flea Market. There’s a lady there that I loving call “The Glass Jar Queen.” She unknowingly fills a void in my life with her jars. And what’s even better, she knows stories behind them. I’ll pick one up and she’ll tell me that peanut butter or coffee used to come in that shaped jar. (I followed suit and put my coffee beans in the coffee jar.) I love finding out the history and purpose behind my thrifted purchases. It adds so much significance.


I have a small obsession with them. When I see any kind of glass on a thrift store shelf, I’m immediately drawn to investigate. Glasses, jars, milk jugs, vases… I could easily fill my whole house with them.


My current favorite way to use them is for storing food. My kitchen is riddled with different sizes and shapes of glass containers. They’re in my cabinets holding granola, on my counters full of flour and sugar, and in my fridge ready with fresh juice or iced coffee.


And of course I like to decorate with them. I love using old milk jugs for fresh flowers or even just filling them up with other small thrifted trinkets and setting them on display. My friend brought me a really fun vintage-y yellow matchbox back from Moldova last year. I put it in a glass jar on my mantle. So fun!


I think glass jars combine elements of country chic and a classy vintage appeal without trying too hard. Each one has its own beauty in its tinting and scratchy flaws. I know at some point I’ll probably become a hoarder with my glass jars, but for now I’ll keep enjoying the hunt for these beauties.


Dani's jars are so beautiful! My favorite is the iced coffee jar - what's your favorite?

If you would like to be considered for Favorite Finds, email me a photo of the item you would choose as your Favorite Find and a little bit about it. I'll write you back with some questions to answer and then we'll get you set up! I have several in store for you guys already so I may not be able to feature every submission that comes in but I would love to see what you guys have!

Vintage TV: Pan Am

Have you been watching Pan Am? It's a fun glimpse into life in the 60s and Pan Am's glamorous flight crew. It actually has some intrigue which I was surprised to find. One of the flight attendants has been tasked with some governmental intelligence work, which makes each trip quite an adventure for her.

If you have missed the first 2 episodes, you can watch online at ABC.com!